V. M. Ezhumalai

V. M. Ezhumalai
V. M. Ezhumalai in the film Digambara Samiyar
Occupationactor
Years active1937-1962

V. M. Ezhumalai was an Indian actor and comedian who featured in Tamil language films.[1] He was active in the field from 1937 till 1962. He had a style of his own making viewers to laugh by his body language and voice. Ezhumalai, emphasized his unique style in a comedy duet Kooja kooja kooja for which he lip-synched with another comedian, A. Karunanidhi, in the 1954 movie Mangalyam. From this song, the word 'kooja'(literally, a bucket carrying drinking water) became a derisive euphemism for servile, spineless bucket carriers to power holders.

Ezhumalai started his career on stage and then switched to films. During the early days he was employed on a monthly salary at Modern Theatres, Salem along with other comedians like Kali N. Rathnam and A. Karunanidhi.[2]

Filmography

Year Film Role
1937 Vallala Maharaja
1939 Sirikkadhe
1940 Rajayogam
1941 Dayalan
1942 Sathi Sukanya
Naadaga Medai
1943 Diwan Bahadur
1945 Burma Rani
1947 Kannika
1948 Senbagavalli
Kaamavalli
Adhithan Kanavu Singaram
1949 Vaazhkai[3] Asampavitham
1950 Digambara Samiyar Sundaram Pillai
1951 Devaki
1952 Zamindar
1953 Madana Mohini
Ponni Sokkan
Naalvar[4]
1954 Nallakalam
Mangalyam
Malaikkallan[5] Chadaiyan
Koondukkili
1955 Missiamma[6] School Teacher, Native Physician
Pennarasi
Guna Sundari
1956 Naan Petra Selvam Poyyamozhi
Kokilavani
1957 Makkalai Petra Magarasi
Maya Bajaar Chinnamaya
Pathini Deivam
1958 Nalla Idathu Sammandham
Kadan Vaangi Kalyaanam Subbaiah
Athisaya Thirudan
Illarame Nallaram
1959 Kalaivaanan Maari
1961 Panam Panthiyile
1962 Ellorum Vazhavendum

References

  1. ^ "V. M. Ezhumalai (Actor)". filmiclub.com. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  2. ^ "V.M.Ezhumalai" (in Tamil). antrukandamugam.wordpress.com. 17 August 2013. Archived from the original on 6 November 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
  3. ^ Guy, Randor (9 June 2012). "Vazhkai 1949 - Tirunelveli". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  4. ^ Guy, Randor (17 March 2012). "Naalvar 1953 - Delta". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  5. ^ Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen. Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1998. p. 334.
  6. ^ Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen. Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1998. p. 339.